Thursday, May 20, 2010

It has been forever since I last wrote in the blog. Many things have happened -- work, birthdays, vacations, fun times... and I plan to write about all of those, but this post is about something else.

This post is about a being very special to me -- Oscar, one of my family's cats. Born in late 1998, my family adopted Oscar and his brother, Felix from the North Shore Animal League in early 1999 and he was always a wonderful kitty. Being in high school at the time, Oscar and Felix were the first pets my family owned who were pretty solely "my" responsibility -- they lived in my room, their food, water and kitty litter were in my room and I cared for them (and dealt with them waking me at 4:30 in the morning with the now-infamous "double-pounce").

Oscar was instantly dubbed the "purr-box" or "motorboat" for his loud purr heard across the room and incessant demands for attention. Always more outgoing than his brother Felix, he was also the "smart" one of the pair (we missed on the odd couple naming).

Recently, Oscar's health had been deteriorating... he required multiple surgeries to repair problems with his colon. His kidneys were starting to fail. He was loosing weight. 6 months ago a vet recommended we put his to sleep. At that time, my family declined -- he was still running around, purring and head-butting everything as always.

A few days ago my parents called me to see Oscar -- his health had taken a turn for the worse and the decision was made that it was time to let him go. We all miss him sorely -- especially his brother, Felix, but we are all getting through. And so, I raise my glass and drink in remembrance of one fine kitty.